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Tripods - Support your camera! |
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Written by Peter Barriscale L.I.P.F.
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Monday, 05 March 2007 |
To ensure your pictures are always pin-sharp it is vital to keep the camera steady while the image is recorded. That sounds like simple common sense but most people couldn't be bothered to lug a tripod along when they venture out to take a few snaps. It's for precisely that reason that they usually return with just that - snapshots!
It can be a little cumbersome to carry a tripod but it's well worth the effort. In bright conditions it is easy to say you don't need a tripod because the light levels will give shutter speeds that allow for hand-held shots - but think of the times you've collected your prints and seen the bit of rubbish or twig or red area that sticks out like a sore thumb that you hadn't noticed at the time. Instead of being a decent or even fantastic image, it has fallen into the snapshot category.
Using a tripod, even in bright conditions, will improve your images because it slows the whole picture taking process down making you take more time over framing, composition, focusing and lighting resulting in the best image you can get in any given situation. You will be more likely to see unwanted items in the frame, areas that are likely to affect the overall exposure and be able to bracket or take additional frames identical to the first one if you wish. Even when using the tripod, the actions of pressing the shutter button and the movement of the internal mirror can cause movement and/or vibration causing the image to be less than 100% sharp. To avoid these problems you can - - Hang your camera bag on the tripod to make it steadier
- Use the mirror lock up facility (Some cameras only)
- Fire the shutter with a cable release or use the self-timer
This is particularly important when taking long exposures or macro / close-up shots as small apertures and slower shutter speeds will often be used in such cases. Another good weapon to have in your arsenal is a monopod.
This is a single- leg telescopic camera support and is ideal for moving subjects. It is also neater and lighter to carry than a tripod Like most photo equipment, the variety of tripods available is massive (like some of their prices) but don't be daunted. Go to a shop and look at several models. Don't go for one that is very light as it can be easily toppled or moved by the wind. Spend a little extra for the sturdier model without breaking the bank. Make sure it has a quick-release feature for attaching/detaching the camera with ease. Most budget models will have a "pan & tilt" head. This allows the camera to be moved and fixed in 3 ways:- horizontal or vertical format, tilt up or down and pan right or left. The expensive models are heavier, may have a ball & socket head, spirit levels, independently adjustable legs and can be positioned at very low and awkward angles. Author: Peter Barriscale Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts) excellent article it makes you think and we all need a refresher every now and then i have a tripod but just like you said i find it heavy to lug around |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 12 May 2007 )
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